This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I thank the sunlit moon she lets me stand,
And grateful for the earth that hangs so high—
I am, I am—I’m now a grateful man.
So much I’ve cried, afloat in my tin can,
And far above the world songs pacify.
I thank the sunlit moon she lets me stand.
The piano far off played a song to mend
The broken man I’d been this long a time,
I am, I am—I’m now (a grateful man
I stand upon the moon where life is grand)
Where now I see our petty fights and cries.
I thank the sunlit moon (she lets me stand
And haply, dusty earth will let me land)
In desert seas with brackish waves of brine.
I am, I am—I’m now a grateful man.
To sound the music of her shining sands,
To play the changes over me and cry—
I thank the sunlit moon she lets me stand,
I am, I am—I’m now a grateful man!
7 thoughts on "This is Major Tom to Ground Control"
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I really enjoyed this poem.
🖤
Is your middle name villanelle? I really enjoyed this one too. I love the last verse the most. Seriously, these things are damned hard to write. Manny, you are a show-off! Keep ’em coming.
❤️guilty as charged. So glad you enjoyed it 😊
Well, I’m in for anything referring to Bowie! Your walk among the earth and stars was truly lovely. And I agree with Linda – villanelles are hard to write well.
I’m working on another villanelle presently, Sylvia – this time the subject is different. It’s been a month for musicians so far. Thank you❤️❤️❤️
I love the allusion to David Bowie’s songs. The villanelle format is clever as is your wonderful iambic pentameter.
Well done, sir!